Inter-Schools Debate 2025: Hon. Dzifa Gomashie urges Students to be respectful and take academia serious

The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has encouraged students to be bold and respectful in their academic and personal lives. She shared this advice while presenting prizes to the winners of the 2025 Inter-schools Debate, organized by the Ghana Culture Forum as part of the Ghana Culture Week celebrations.

This year’s debate was an exhilarating contest, with schools fiercely competing for top honors. St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School emerged victorious, thanks to their exceptional team of Ivan Amoah, Enoch Anum, Moses Bempah, and Ashong Kotey Joseph. Their compelling arguments and teamwork earned them the championship title. The Design Technology Institute secured second place, while St. Mary’s Secondary School also delivered a remarkable performance.

Individual excellence was celebrated as well. Mary Acquah Obeng from St. Mary’s Girls Secondary School won the Most Eloquent Debater award for her outstanding speaking skills, while Iris Bekoe from Tema Secondary School (Temasco) earned the title of Most Knowledgeable Debater for her profound grasp of debate topics. Other standout debaters included Faustina Amenorpe, Celestine Adudei Edoh, Enoch Mensah, and Obed Finde Wumbeya from the Design Technology Institute.

The Ghana Culture Forum was well-represented at the event by its Vice Chairman, Ahuma Bosco Ocansey; General Secretary, Edwina Assan; Treasurer, Makeba Boateng; Executive Member Ken Fiati; Administrator Patrick Alabi; and Member Claire Afari. Also in attendance was Dr. Tamakloe, Director of Tourism at the Ministry.

Speaking at the event, Ahuma Bosco Ocansey highlighted the significance of the debate topics, stating: “The topics chosen for the debate were chosen on the theme, ‘Our Culture, Our Strength: Shaping Ghana for Global Impact.’” His remarks underscored the importance of leveraging Ghanaian culture to make a mark on the global stage.

This third edition of the Interschools Debate demonstrated the value of nurturing intellectual growth among Ghana’s youth. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), and Ghana Education Service (GES), it showcased how cultural dialogue can shape future leaders while fostering national development.

(Source: Ahuma Bosco Ocansey)